My opinion is that the MC starts out as a nobody, promotes to minion. But then promotes again.
You become the lover and champion of either Isha or Athia. Both fallen goddesses. And as such the bond is one that will take you up to divinity. If you are champion of Isha you can get behind her back and grab Athia for yourself as well.
You become the supreme ruler of the half-orc village
You use mind control to take over the orcs. (and you have two types of mind control in your disposal. corruption and soul theft)
You become a PMC providing all military protection to local town and surrounding areas. Which gives you a steady income stream and also a high social status. (every so many days I get paid 15 gold by mayor, i get shipments of my cut of iron, all guards stationed in town, on the road, and in the mine answer to me, and I get reputation boost from the citizens who know I am the lord protector of the town)
Moreover, excepting the early parts of Isha's path, the MC was the initiator of those advancements. Showcasing his ambition.
MC is clearly a rising dark lord by this point in the game.